Olympus announces OM-D E-M5 weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera

Olympus has finally announced the long-rumored E-M5, the first of its OM-D range of Micro Four Thirds cameras. The E-M5 is built around a 16MP sensor and features the company's latest 5-axis image stabilization system that works for both stills and movies. It can shoot 1080i60 movies in MOV format (h.264 compression) and includes a 1.44M dot EVF in its weather-sealed magnesium alloy body.

It will cost around $1299.99 / £1149.99 / €1299.99 with the weather-sealed 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 power zoom lens and will be available from April 2012.

CLASSIC OM DESIGN REVIVED INTO A NEW STATE OF THE ART DIGITAL CAMERA - THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW:OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5

Olympus OM-D (E-M5)

The Olympus E-M5 Unites an Intuitive Built-In Electronic Viewfinder with the World’s First*1 5-Axis Image Stabilization and World’s Fastest*2 Autofocusing System inside a Powerfully Portable and Rugged Dustproof and Splashproof Body CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012, 9:00pm – Today Olympus builds upon the 40-year legacy of the OM SLR film camera series and marks the beginning of the new digital imaging era with the launch of the Olympus E-M5, the first of the new Olympus OM-D (OM Digital) Series of Micro Four Thirds™ products. Designed to meet the needs of advanced photographers, the Olympus E-M5 is packed with a built-in electronic viewfinder, superior image technology, blazing fast speed and total creative control in a classic, rugged body ready for sand, sun, sleet or snow.

Evoking the classic design of the original OM Series introduced 40 years ago, and transforming it for the modern age, the Olympus OM-D Series is a new and entirely unique Micro Four Thirds camera system. It combines outstanding features found in the Olympus E-System DSLR line with those of the compact Olympus PEN® Series to meet the requirements of discerning photographers who demand more performance and portability from their interchangeable-lens cameras. The compact and ready-for-action Olympus E-M5 boasts breakthrough innovations inside, including:

A 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic™ VI image-processing engine for superior image quality and high sensitivity

The world’s first*1 5-axis image stabilizer to compensate for multi-directional camera shake during both still photography and HD moviemaking

The world’s fastest*2 autofocusing system (FAST AF) plus new 3D AF tracking for improved performance following moving subjects at up to 9 frames-per-second sequential shooting

A lightweight magnesium alloy body that is enhanced with the same dustproof and splashproof durability of the Olympus E-5 DSLR

A tilting 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and new Movie Effects: One Shot Echo, for a semi-transparent frame at your whim and Multi Echo, for a multi-motion trail effect.

Intuitively Designed Electronic Viewfinder

The OLYMPUS E-M5 is the first Olympus interchangeable-lens camera to incorporate a 120-fps refresh rate, High-Definition electronic viewfinder with an eye sensor to seamlessly switch the display between the tilting, 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and the electronic viewfinder for ease-of-use, features a 100-percent field of view, maximum 1.15x magnification and an eye point of 18mm for fatigue-free viewing. Camera setting information, such as shutter speed, is displayed at the bottom of the viewfinder so photographers can concentrate on framing shots and take full advantage of an EVF’s ability to display the effects of various exposure adjustments and Art Filter effects – all without having to take the eye away from the viewfinder.

Superior Image Quality

The Olympus E-M5 uses a new 16.1 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor offering improved performance and exceptional clarity and speed in all aspects of image capture. Olympus’ TruePic VI image-processing engine dramatically improves image quality in low-light environments. The camera’s sensor allows for a maximum ISO of 25,600, and the dynamic range has been expanded for more faithful color reproduction.

Unprecedented 5-axis image stabilization

The Olympus E-M5 is distinguished by the world’s first 5-axis image-stabilization mechanism capable of reducing the effects of camera motion and image blur from five directions on stills and video, even including motion blur caused by the photographer walking or running. Previous IS mechanisms compensated for camera shake by addressing only two kinds of movement along the vertical and horizontal axis. However, camera shake can actually be caused by five different kinds of movement: horizontal shift, vertical shift, rotary motion, as well as the yaw and pitch. While some technology has attempted to correct for camera blur by building the Image Stabilization mechanism into the lens, the Olympus E-M5 IS mechanism is incorporated into the camera body itself so that all lenses mounted on the body can take advantage of this sophisticated technology, whether shooting stills or HD video.

Blazing Speed

Focus and shoot faster with record-breaking autofocus speed and imaging processing. The Olympus E-M5 employs the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system, introduced in the PEN E-P3, but with even greater speed. The 16MP Live MOS chip drives image data off the sensor at a blazing 240 frames-per-second, a 2X speed increase in Continuous Autofocus, with reduced image blackout enabling photographers to track fast action, Maximum frame rates in sequential shooting have also increased more than 2X with a max frame rate of 9-fps in Single AF. A new 3D tracking AF system can follow the subject through the X-, Y- and Z-axes to dramatically improve focus on moving subjects. Paired with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50-mm f3.5-6.3 electronic zoom lens for optimum focusing speed, fast camera start-up times and operational speeds enable the photographer to keep up with the most challenging shooting situations, while dual control dials and dedicated function buttons help them adjust settings on-the-fly.

Creative Freedom

The Olympus E-M5 features a 3.0-inch tilting OLED touch-screen to enable photographers to get up high or down low for any shot. The touch screen interface offers intuitive focus and release of the shutter and review and enlargement of images in playback with the touch of a finger. The new Live Bulb feature updates the Live View image on the OLED screen at pre-set intervals during long exposures and enables the user to preview continually unfolding action such as fireworks or waterfalls and adjust the exposure time accordingly while capturing the image at the desired moment. An innovative new interface, EVF Creative Control, produces a tone curve overlay on the viewfinder screen to enable separate adjustment of highlight and shadow brightness, white balance, magnification and aspect ratio can also be manipulated via the EVF

A new “Key Line” Art Filter joins ten other available filters on the Olympus E-M5 and enhances the edge lines of the image to make it look more like an illustration. New “Cross Process II” and “Dramatic Tone II” Art Filters provide variations on the popular existing filters, and the two new Echo effect for movies leaves a momentary residual image of a subject’s movements when activated during movie recording. Users who like to perform their movie post-editing on a PC will particularly appreciate the Full HD 1080i movie recording function, which adopts the MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264).

Powerful Portability and Rugged Durability

The striking, iconic design of the Olympus E-M5 is more than just looks; its magnesium alloy body is rugged enough to stand up to severe environmental conditions like heavy rain and blowing sand. The Olympus E-M5 employs internal seals extensively and, when the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens is attached, this combination delivers an integrated dustproof and splashproof camera system. The electronic viewfinder section of the body is also made of magnesium alloy to ensure durability, and the FL-LM2 Electronic Flash that ships with the camera features the same dustproof and splashproof construction.

New Lenses and Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge

The HLD-6 Power Battery Grip, in the same dust- and splashproof construction as the Olympus E-M5 body, is an adaptable, two-part grip that can be used either as a landscape grip for easier handling or as a portrait grip with an additional shutter release. The portrait grip accommodates an extra lithium-ion battery to supplement the one in the E-M5, thus extending battery life. The FL-600R electronic flash (GN 50 at ISO 200 or GN 36 at ISO 100) offers improved recharge time and enhanced flexibility and operability for movie recording, and with a wireless control option. Equipped with a built-in LED, the FL-600R can be used to light movies and as a brighter AF auxiliary light. The MMF-3 Four Thirds mount adapter is designed for mounting a Four Thirds Standard-compliant lens on a Micro Four Thirds Standard-compliant camera body. The MMF-3, which also features dust- and splashproof construction, is ideally suited for use with Olympus’ similarly constructed High Grade and Super High Grade lenses.

The Olympus E-M5 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds-compliant lenses, including two new lenses that Olympus will introduce later this year: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 macro. The 75mm lens is a high-quality metal design with fast aperture settings for portraits and indoor sports shooting, while the dustproof and splashproof 60mm lens features 1:1 macro and a closest shooting distance of just 7.5 inches.

*1 As of February 2012. Among interchangeable-lens cameras. *2 As of November 2011. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras on the market, and using Olympus’ in-house test conditions. In C-AF Tracking mode, maximum frame rate is 4.2fps.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus E-M5 will be available in April and ships in the following configurations:

Comments

'Rectro' it may well be, but that's because the original OM1 set standards in size and quality that took the other manufacturers a fair amount of time to compete with. Up until the OM, quality cameras were by default, bulky and heavy. Olympus seriously clobbered that perception. I have the E1, much maligned, bit a superbly competent and compact camera. Then they blew them up in size, but obviously their chief designer's ghost started haunting their R&D dept, and as a result we have the OM-D. It might have it's failings exposure latitude-wise, but it's one hell of a lot more user-friendly, unobtrusive etc than APS-C cameras. ... it's also got some wonderful optics, with specs which are still unavailable in the APS-C format, 6 years on. Most cameras are compromises in one way or another, but I personally think the OM-D, offers less of these than most other camera manufacturers products.

"On second thought this Film era SLR design is kind of old fashioned.reminds me of the old film SLRS"

Uh...yeah. That's why they call it "retro" styling. It's *supposed* to remind you of an old film era SLR! LOL. Did you just *suddenly* realize ("on second thought...") that this "retro" styling gave the camera an "old fashioned film SLR" look? That must have been a very eye-opening revelation for you!

"Hey...wait a minute! This retro-styled camera named after the old film era Olympus OM cameras reminds me of an old film era SLR camera! Wow, did anyone else notice that?!?!"

OM2 has the best viewfinder in 35mm.This was the only object I carried with me on my wedding day. I shortly let go of it when I had to sign the papers. That's how good it is. The viewfinder is comparable to Pentax 6x7!

Olympus has the technology. Unfortunately it seems it is infested (as most of the surviving modern businesses) with sales and marketing people that have the upper hand over ingenuity.

I had given up on Olympus and for a short time regained hope when they pre-announced this camera. Perhaps I didn't read carefully to notice the m4/3 mount. Perhaps I couldn't believe they will so cheaply exploit the legacy...

Have you noticed how most of the old film gear has become twice as expensive during the past year or so (OM gear eve more so)? This is a direct consequence of marketing people trying to sell half-baked products to (as they think) half-baked people. Well, I hope not everybody is half-baked.

Yeah, but the reality is that the so-called "half-baked" OM-D will out-shoot any of the old OM cameras. Believe it or not, today's photographers want to do more with their cameras than just fawn over how big and pretty the viewfinder is.

You also have to consider that, with an EVF, there's technically no limit to how big the viewfinder can be. If a manufacturer wanted to, they could put an EVF on a future OM-D camera that is as big as a Pentax 67 viewfinder, if they wanted to! (But obviously, that would look rather weird.) It's because the size of the viewfinder is no longer defined by the size of the film frame or sensor frame. With an EVF, the viewfinder simply takes a data feed from the sensor, and displays the sensor's image on any size screen you want to display it on, whether it be a rear LCD screen, or an LCD screen in the viewfinder.

Image vs. PhotographI can certainly see your point. As physics major and software engineer, I'm quite intimate with technology.However, this is not the point I was making.I agree that the images that the new camera will produce will be superior to anything produced by OM cameras except perhaps for slides scanned on a drum scanner. Even then, if the behind-the-scanner-device is not vastly experienced, the images will be inferior. Also, such scans will cost $40 and more per image.I agree. Images from the new camera will be superior.How about photographs?I sold my 5D 3 years ago when it became obsolete - I realized l was using old school medium format and then subsequently large format and the 5D didn't get much use. The large viewfinders help you see your future work of art.

My point is: unless one shoots walls and compares pixels, the image quality doesn't matter all that much. What matters is what you see in order to create the photograph.

Well, considering that the E-M5's EVF has an excellent OLED EVF, with 100% frame coverage and 1.15x magnification (which is better than most cameras at this price point offer), I'd say that this viewfinder is actually as good or better than most DSLRs in this price range. Furthermore, how many OVF's can actually show you how your image will be exposed "in order to create the photograph" even before you take the photo? Frankly, an EVF will actually allow you to see more information in order to "create the photograph" than you realize. Eventually, most EVF's will incorporate focus peaking, highlight/shadow clipping indicators, in-viewfinder histogram viewing, in-viewfinder framing guides, and so much more...all of which you can choose to "see in order to create the photograph."

As for the notion that "image quality doesn't matter all that much", there are a few people here who might disagree.

Can someone please tell me if this camera, or ANY micro four thirds camera, can use the standard four third lenses without penalty? Yeah I know you have the adapter, but is there an image quality when using adapters? Obviously (at least if you know anything about Olympus lenses) I am lusting for this camera with the amazing Olympus 12-60 zoom. I seriously doubt that the new M43 version counterpart (I think it is 12-50 approx) can hold a candle to that lens. Opinions welcome but experienced/informed opinions even better.

There is no inherent IQ problem, as the adaptor is just a mechanical-electrical connection, no glass. But AF is not so good with lenses designed for the PD AF of a SLR; the new m43 lenses use a different type of AF motor.

That makes sense that the IQ would not suffer since it has no glass element, but it does move the lenses further away from the focal plane and I was wondering if that might be an issue, even if only a slight one?

The adaptor puts the lenses at the right distance. The micro 4/3 lens mount is far closer to the focal plane that the 4/3 SLR mount (about 22mm vs 38mm) so the adaptor just has to be thick enough to correct for that (about 16mm). More generally, that is why it is so easy to have adaptorrs for using all kinds of lenses on m43 bodies (ditto with NEX).

For Micro 43 the lens-camera communication has information of how much the camera need to correct for lens inperfection. If you want to pay less and get a smaller lens for the same job, you should get a m43 lens...

Yes, it is a bit weird. There is a clip on external mic input available for the hot shoe, but my take on it is that Olympus doesn't really target the videographers with this. If I did video work mainly, I'd stick with the GH2 for now.

Very good features for such small camera. I like the IBIS because it works with any lens. And it will be upgraded with each camera iteration for all your lenses.

The only useless item in digital world is optional grip. They could just make a bigger square sensor that will cover completely the lens circle. But i guess that we have to wait another 10 years for this. As we had to wait for this camera although it was technically possible to be made long time ago. But selling 5 generations of incomplete camera is more profitable than just make directly a good one.

This may just bring me back to m4/3, depending on final street price. That's a pretty nice little practical shooter. I guess the rumors of Olympus' demise have been greatly exaggerated...

In a way I'd have rather seen them build an actual DSLR, especially given the styling--I mean, why mimic the OM of yore if it is, conceptually, not even close to the same camera? But, then again, the EVF sounds promising, it's a great-looking camera, it's amazingly compact, and I can certainly understand why Olympus wouldn't want to go up against the latest and greatest DSLRs from Canon and Nikon--it's wise of them to bail out of that market, entirely.

Better question would be why in the heck body has to continue so much to left from lens mount while there's no film roll to need it?We've had over decade of digital cameras and actually there are still very few designs which actually utilized possibilities of new digital technology for improving ergonomy and most of them are old digicams. Like this (Konica)Minolta and others of its kind from time before cheap entry level DSLRs.http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/konicaminoltaa2/page3.asp

Hmmm, a splash-proof camera in a m43 system that has NO weather sealed lenses. Interesting...

Hopefully I missed a new/old weather proof lens, but if not, my statement stands true. If I did, I am sure the replies to this will bring me up to speed. :) I will be optimistic and assume that Oly has some future weather proof lenses on the horizon. It seems (to my advantage) that Micro Four Thirds is gathering momentum. It has to be the most exciting platform in the camera world today. As more companies jump on board, I see a future where photo gear/entire kits won't wear you down. If they could just control image noise and/or low light photography, they would dominate.

Yes, you did miss it. The new Oly ED 12-50 mm lens is weather sealed. It was announced in December:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/12/14/olympus1250EZ

It's the announcement of the 12-50mm lens that led many to believe that the OM-D would also be weatherized, because obviously if you introduce a weatherized lens, you need a weatherized body to go with it.

Also, the 12-50mm M.ZUIKOS has a professional video camcorder optic style internal zoom mechanism. When you zoom in/out, the front barrel does not pop in and out harmonica style, like it does with the cheap Canikon DSLR style zooms.

Guys, you can't have m4/3 without the EVF because m4/3 has no room for a reflex mirror, which is needed for an optical viewfinder. In case you just crawled out of a cave, if you want 4/3 and an optical viewfinder, Oly has a whole line of 4/3 cameras! But m4/3 is clearly a /mirrorless/ system, which means if you want a viewfinder it has to be EVF. And I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss EVF. EVF's are getting better with every new generation. The OLED EVF on the OM-D appears to be plenty good.

It looks like agony...Too many efforts to put more features into small retro body.But...What can we expect from IQ and Olympus lenses?Rather mediocre results. Crop 2 is forever. It's unreal to deceive physics.

Consumer level.

Is this camera Attractive? Yes. Well-made? Yes. Good featured? Yeahhh...But it's all marketing tricks. Game. The new cameras are soulless. X-Pro1, OM-D are not real retro cameras, it's fake.

The retro flirting of camera-makers and retro-design makes me sick.It's like peanut politician.

Yes...It's good camera for anybody. But it's boring camera. Like D800.

Not everyone needs or wants a "pro" level camera for every moment of shooting in their lifetime. I use Canon FF and APS DSLRs. But I also have an m4/3 camera for times when I don't want to lug around my much larger, much heavier, much more conspicuous DSLR gear. And the results are far from mediocre. As for "real retro", what the heck is that? Are you expecting an all manual film camera? LOL.

If you think cameras like the X-Pro1, OM-D, and D800 are all "boring" and "soulless", I think you've got some serious mental issues. They are tools used by craftsmen to create images. Nothing to get "sick" over.

Thanks T3, you bring the voice of seasoned professional without brand bias. MANY pros are coming to Micro Four Thirds for many of the same reasons you stated. Most have come away impressed with capabilities of the system and the image quality.

Loos great to me. I would only say - the EVF seems to have the same specs like the clip-on one. Personally a bit larger magnification would be nice. 1.15x only translates to about 0.59x in FF. But maybe it would not fit the (rather slim) body.

...and thankfully it doesn't! Who want's a weatherproof camera that can zap ya? In fact, I'm kinda pessed the D800 has a flash. That's what the hot shoe and point and shoots are for. This new Oly is full of win. If it focuses fast, it's the mirrorless camera many have been waiting for!

I say if there is room put a darn flash aboard... you don't have to use it! and if for no other reason than it can talk to remote flashes as a commader! Stick that up your flashless D700 and 5dMkIIs!!! :o)

@micahmedia - "Who want's a weatherproof camera that can zap ya?". Hey micahmedia, in case you didn't know, the OM-D's plug-in flash is weather sealed! In today's day and age, it is possible to weather seal a flash, just like you can weather seal anything else on a camera. No zapping! Time to join the 21st century, pal.

I can't say I fell in love with this camera the moment I saw its first photo, as it happened with the E-P1, but this is gorgeous! Hopefully the new sensor will be an improvement over the old 12,3 CMOS in terms of noise control, in which case Olympus will have a winner in this camera.

I quite like the styling. Wish LCD were tilt and swivel. Price is better than was rumored at $999 body only, not $1200. AF sounds good and this is where Sony fails big time. I would have gone with NEX 7 but AF is not in same league as Panasonic and Olympus and this sounds best yet.

Ok I just need Samsung to announce NX20 and I can decide which ship to jump on.

Yes, I do. Lenses work much better when mounted to actual cameras, not dream cameras.

Does anyone think it likely that Olympus or Panasonic are about to introduce a FF body and all of the lenses needed to support such a body? For the last three years, it's been easy to mount OM lenses on a MFT body. Either adapt those OM lenses to an available body (like I do), or leave those fine lenses on a shelf and wait for a FF body that may never appear.

Personally, I think this is carrying the retro look a bit too far. That 'pentaprism' looks very dated. But the specficications, that's something else; mouthwatering! (If it delivers what Olympus claim)

The retro look has an explanation: Olympus wants to take over where the OM-4 left - hence the "5" in the model name. It's a bit silly, of course, because the two belong in different worlds; one is digital, the other is analogue. Anyway, this is a good looking, well-specified camera. I wonder how it will acquit itself before the competition, namely the Fuji X-Pro1 and the Sony NEX-7, on the grounds of image quality.

I like the looks pretty well. The fake pentaprism housing is a good location for the EVF parts, so it's not a waste up there. Might as well make it retro. It's small and seems well featured. I would hope the EVF can really track fast moving things unlike many of its competition. I also much prefer the viewfinder centered over the back panel for ease of use, something Canon and the Nex 7 seem to miss. It also makes it less likely to move when poking your eye up there when the camera is supported on a tripod head (providing the tripod socket is also centered).

My only concern would be the 16 mp sensor. The old sensor was already too noisy and small. Now we have more pixels on the same small size. I would hope it will be on the order of the 16 mp Sony sensor used in the D5100, D7000 and K5 with regards to overall performance. That would give Olympus a homerun, in my book. Kudos to Olympus during these hard time for them.

I bought the E-510 for it's small size wound up with 9-18mm, 14-42mm, 35mm, 40-150mm, 70-300mm and a 500mm Cad. Could not bring myself to buy the E-5 or even the E-30 when Oly discontinued the E-xxx series, because they are just too big and heavy.

Now I see the upgrade path that I have been wanting. It seems the OM-D and the 12-50mm may be the perfect walk around lens.

Is this a useless 16:9 LCD again, married to a 4:3 sensor? Does Olympus really think that people that buy cameras with interchangeable lenses don't know anything about photography? Just for the record, I bought an Olympus E-PM1 and returned it after a day. The pictures are great and the camera is fast, but the ergonomics are just awful, especially that useless 16:9 LCD.

I've measured it in Photoshop and it's 3:2, not 16:9. Not quite ideal for photos but a good compromise when using other aspect ratios or shooting video. My GX1 also has a 3:2 screen and I've not had any problems with that.

Because it will have better out-of-camera JPEGS, better colour accuracy, image stabilization in the body, better styling, greater build quality, weather sealing and, when it's been around for as long as the G3 is, it will arguably cost more or less the same as the G3 does now. Plus it carries something Panasonic can't buy, no matter how much money they invest: tradition and prestige.

I know it will not happen, but still wish a OM-D can be a FF with OM mount. Wouldn't it be nice to have 36MP OM size body with OM mount.I do not think making a EVF like a OM body is a good idea, Although I still own a OM-4Ti OM-1n. The main advantage of EVF is its ability to change angle of view finder. EP-3 with EVF can tilt up, but not good for vertical... and now this do not even tilt. I think Olympus should make this new camera a new shape, a shape that take full advantage of EVF. May be a wireless link to an ipad for viewing would be more interesting... Anyways, I still think the will get my money... but still disappointing.

If you want a full frame camera with OM mount support you'll need to get yourself a Canon DSLR, perhaps a 5DII, as the short and wide EOS mount can take an OM adapter that allows for focus to infinity.

....I went for a Nikon D5000 & D5100...everything Nikon is CCW and switching btwn systems confused me.I got rid of E-620, E-520, & E-510 and a whack of lenses and two flashes.Wished I'd kept my FL-36R also and my 70-300....got trashed in reviews but I loved its lightweight and stopped down a bit was tack sharp for birding. ...bad for my economy, got for the rest of the economy :)